Engine failure and ditching near Miami-Opa Locka Airport

No fatalities • Miami, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A training flight departed from Miami-Opa Locka Airport before experiencing a dual engine failure, resulting in an aircraft ditching offshore.

What happened

A local training mission commenced from the Miami-Opa Locka Airport when the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines shortly after departing the runway. Following the loss of propulsion, the pilot-in-command performed an emergency ditching in the water a few hundred yards away from the coastline. Upon impact with the sea, the aircraft sank and was subsequently lost.

During the emergency, the crew managed to evacuate the sinking vessel. Search and rescue operations successfully recovered two of the three people on board. However, the instructor was not found at the scene after the initial departure from the accident site.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was a powerplant failure occurring for reasons that remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The loss of power in both engines occurred due to an undetermined mechanical failure within the powerplant.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-07-22 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Miami, United States of America?

A training flight departed from Miami-Opa Locka Airport before experiencing a dual engine failure, resulting in an aircraft ditching offshore.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-07-22 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-07-22 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N157K, operated by DR & M, at Miami, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in both engines occurred due to an undetermined mechanical failure within the powerplant.

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